'Greening Waipara': Viticulturist's attitudes and practices associated with a region-wide ecological restoration scheme: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours at Lincoln University

Abstract

Conventional viticulture is an unsustainable and environmentally damaging form of production. It is typified by 'broadacre' monocultures where trees are removed to discourage birds and over $1000/ha/yr is spent on chemicals for the control of weeds, diseases · and pests. The majority of vineyards in Waipara operate under conventional management. As a winegrowing region, Waipara suffers from a lack of distinctive identity and profile in comparison with other larger winegrowing regions in New Zealand. The 'Greening Waipara' project was developed to combat these two related issues facing Waipara viticulture. Through the re-introduction of native flora into vineyards and the application of integrated pest management practices it is hoped that the sustainability and identity of Waipara viticulture can be improved. The possible fusion of native plantings and biological control was studied to investigate whether native plant species could be utilised for the provision of nectar for natural enemies of pest insects. Nectar was collected from native plants and analysed for 'sugar signatures' and phenolic content. Some native plant species, including Parsonsia heterophylla (A. Cunn.), have potentially valuable nectar for natural enemies. Four trial vineyards were selected for the first phase of the initiative so they could act as centres for knowledge transfer into the wider viticultural community. To gauge growers' attitudes towards the concept, a questionnaire was developed requesting information on environmental awareness both at a local and national level, attitudes towards biological control I native plantings, marketing the initiative, as well as demographic data. Those growers who replied to the questionnaire were strongly in favour of the 'Greening Waipara' initiative. They considered that both biological control practices and native plantings can be used to improve the region's sustainability and image. Their awareness of the environment varied, as did their knowledge of biological control. They believed marketing the initiative should be the responsibility of both individuals and the Waipara Winegrowers Association. The establishment of trial vineyards has attracted a large amount of media coverage.